When I was a little girl, there was this teacher that always
wore the happiest cardigans so in tune with each of the holidays throughout the
year. I used to marvel at each of the clever designs she would wear and I vowed
that when I grew up, I would dress just like her. There was something utterly calming and
equally trust worthy in her seasonally organized outfits. I remember that I constantly found a reason
to be near her. Recently, in my happy
thrifting expeditions, I came across the most fabulous vintage Halloween
cardigan and immediately I was transported back into that elementary classroom
and full of longing for simpler times I purchased it- a nostalgic buy for
sure. The cardigan is loud and probably tons
tacky, but I love it and I can’t wait to wear it and begin making that
childhood dream come true. The day I
found it, I came home and excitedly tried it on hoping that my enthusiasm would
transfer to my mother, but she said it just wasn’t her cup of tea. Even so her reaction didn’t make me love my
cardigan any less nor kill the excitement of the little child within.
The funny thing is that when I try remembering more about
the teacher, I can’t get an image passed her cardigan and me tugging at her
slacks. It’s almost like those cartoons
that cut at the neck the adults and no matter how much I try I can’t retrieve my
elementary teacher’s face. I just remember
her kindness and finding comfort being near her as I took my first steps in a new
country. She allowed me to silently orbit
around her throughout the day and would pat my head sometimes when I loving
hugged her leg. I was just beginning to
learn the new language so I didn’t talk a whole lot and she didn’t mind the
silent companion. Around her I didn’t have
to worry about my accent or be scared of kids picking on me- she was my hero
who instead of capes wore the best holiday ensemble.
It’s funny how an item can transport one to a very specific
time. Am not sure if the teacher knew how
much she touched my life, how her thoughtful outfits made her so utterly
beautiful and I attracted to her charm survived a time of great change. I didn’t understand a whole lot of English
then, but I sure got her approachable message with her decorative-eighties-bling
sweaters. She tried in every way to
engage her students and though the credential program doesn’t have a course on
how to dress to motivate students- those Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day…
sweaters were quite powerful teaching strategies (smile). I know I have been a bit disorganized- I have
had a lot of appointments trying to prepare for my new job.
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